Newcastle head to Birmingham to take on Aston Villa on Monday, with Steve Bruce returning to his former club hoping to make it three wins in a row for the Magpies.
Newcastle have had an upturn in fortunes, with Bruce’s side losing just one of the last five – away at Chelsea – which has seen them climb to 13th in the table.
Villa, on the other hand, have seen their form go the opposite way, with Dean Smith’s side losing their last three games.
They currently sit just one place, and three points, above the relegation zone, which will be seen as a disappointment considering the amount of money they invested in the team in the summer.
Early team news
Newcastle have Jamaal Lascelles ruled out until next year with a fractured tibia, while Matt Ritchie has had to visit a specialist again, after a setback in his bid to shake off a persistent ankle problem.
Ciaran Clark picked up a knock while away with Ireland, and is doubtful, while Sean Longstaff serves the third and final game of his suspension following his red card against Wolves.
Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune have both been confirmed as available for the game, providing a huge boost to Newcastle’s hopes.
Aston Villa have a number of injury issues themselves, most notably in the goalkeeping department, with Jed Steer ruled out and Tom Heaton only given a 25 per cent chance of playing.
Jack Grealish is the other major problem for Smith, with him recovering from a calf injury, but the Daily Mirror report he is on course to play against Newcastle.
Referee: Lee Mason
Mason will take charge for the first time in the Premier League this season, but he has been in charge of Villa already, overseeing their 2-2 draw with Burnley in September.
This season, the Bolton official has shown 20 yellow cards and a single red, during his five Premier League games. He has not awarded a penalty thus far.
He was in the middle for two Newcastle league games last season – both the home and away games against Everton – in which he brandished nine yellow cards, eight of which were to Toon players.
He awarded Newcastle a penalty in the home game against the Toffees last season, which Matt Ritchie missed.
Points to prove
No one will have a bigger point to prove on Monday than Newcastle manager Steve Bruce.
He will expect to be given a torrid time by the home fans, who dislike him following his spell in charge, and also because of his time as manager of rivals Birmingham.
He has played down his return to Villa Park, but inwardly he must be hoping to have the last laugh after the final whistle.
Should Grealish be fit enough to play, he will want to prove that he is worthy of a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the 2020 Euros.
He was thought to be close to a call-up during this international break, but his injury put any potential involvement on hold, and has seen James Maddison appear to jump ahead of him in the pecking order.
Likely formations
Steve Bruce is sure to stick to his formation that has worked so well in recent weeks. Having Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin terrorising defenders on the break, he will see that as his best opportunity to win the game.
So it will be another case of 5-4-1 when we do not have the ball, and ensuring it quickly becomes a 3-4-3 when we are in possession.
Dean Smith has opted for a 4-3-3 for most games this season, with the exception of the defeat at Manchester City, where he tried a safer 4-1-4-1, to no avail.
Having lost their last three league games, it remains to be seen if he changes things around for Newcastle’s visit, given the importance of getting a result on Monday.
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